Hi everyone! It’s been awhile since I’ve done a solid “check in” with all of you! I wanted to take a moment to give an actual update about everything that’s been going on, as well as my plans for the future. Moving forward I am going to attempt some sort of monthly newsletter including updates about released music, press stuff, upcoming projects, etc. This first one is probably going to be a bit long, but if I can do this more regularly it won’t be so massive. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or feedback.
As most of you have probably noticed – I am a relatively private person. I have a hard time with most of the promotion related stuff. I like going to events, meeting people, working in the studio, etc – but when it comes to things like making videos about my workflow, showing things about my private life, doing streaming performances, and general promotion, I struggle. I mention all this to say one of my main priorities is to get better at this and show more about my process and who I am. I had a conversation with someone that really opened up my eyes to the fact that my story could really help someone or at the very least be relatable. My daughter will be 3 this summer, and she is a constant reminder that I should be doing whatever I can to grow and evolve. Part of that involves taking my music to the next level (for me, personally). On top of the music and family stuff, I have also been working on a few other businesses (Rhythm Couture, and a retail cannabis store) as well as working towards becoming a part owner of the retail store I work at. It’s been a lot, but I’m hanging in there!
I’ll kick things off by a list of updates and releases from the last few months along with some info about each thing. For May (the next newsletter) one of my main goals will be to provide some more community based stuff – some ideas I had include a beat making “tips and tricks” guide, some free sounds, a community contest or mixtape of some sort, etc. For now I’ll just run through some recent stuff that I’m excited about.
Promo Video for Soundtoys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahEE8htepZw
This was really cool! I live in Burlington, VT – the location for the Soundtoys headquarters. Over the years I’ve met various people involved with the company and have done a few live events with them, but this was the first time making a video together. Looking back I would have totally prepared for it differently and played something different but it was still really fun. I made the beat on the spot / on camera but that wasn’t included in the video at all, it was just the performance stuff I did after. Had I known that, I would have just brought one of my favorite beats to play with. Regardless, I’m grateful for the opportunity and next time I do something like that I’ll make sure I understand the task. ALSO, major shoutouts to Teeba for crafting the incredible sample that I chopped up!
Danny James “Heatwave” LP: https://inneroceanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/heatwave
Danny and I have been making music together for many years now. I met him in Burlington and immediately loved his keyboard playing. We did some singles together (“Phase” is one of my favorites), and he helped me on a bunch of my instrumental albums like Only So Much Time, Continuance, and Koan. Over time I realized he was also making amazing solo beats and songs so I promised him I would do whatever I could to produce a “solo” album for him. At the end of the day it was a true collaboration (we made everything together, worked on it in the same room, made decisions together, etc) but the main goal was to produce a DANNY album instead of having him play on Es-K music. This project is the result of that promise (after about 4 or 5 years of work). To those of you familiar with my work, this one is definitely different and special. Danny is an awesome songwriter and keyboard player. I hope to explore more stuff like this in the future. Full LP out now! Available on vinyl, cassette, and digital.
Es-K & Type Raw “Raw Essentials” Double LP: https://www.hhv.de/shop/en/item/es-k-and-type-raw-raw-essentials-deluxe-edition-940463
This is another special album that was many years in the making. I can’t remember exactly, but I’m pretty sure we started putting this together around 2019 or so? It took awhile to complete because we were both working on various other projects but we still made it happen. The process for this project involved sending beats back and forth – for example he would send drums, I would send chops back, and vice versa. Once we had a collection of beats we liked (heavy boom bap vibes) we began assembling a group of MCs by both bringing people from our circles into the mix. The first single is out now (featuring AFRO, Kidaf, and Jarv), second single out April 28th (with VVS Verbal, Jarv, and Konflik), 3rd single out May 12th (with Chel Strong), and full LP out May 26th. Double LP available for order now (currently in the top 100 on HHV!). I’m really excited about this one, I believe we really captured a vibe and made a special project and I’m excited for you all to hear it!
New Singles / Beats:
And finally, I’m still putting out beats regularly. My current setup is MPC Live recorded through a Handsome Audio Zulu and Vesper Big Block DI’s into a Tascam Model 12. I then take the files into Ableton on the computer and do a quick master with some EQ and limiting. (MC’s feel free to reach out! Lets get bizzy!)
TAPEHEADED (beat tape): https://es-k.bandcamp.com/album/tapeheaded
Singles: https://linktr.ee/beatsbyesk
- How Does it Feel
- Professionals
- Watsinnittho
Always Something (ep): out may 5th via Blunt Shelter
Thanks again for taking the time to check in and rock with me! I truly appreciate you all. I’m looking forward to releasing more new music, new art, and collaborating with new creatives. Let me know what you think of the newsletter – I hope I can turn this into a more streamlined method of keeping people in the loop instead of just posting on all the social media sites and hoping that people see it. Be sure to subscribe to my website or Bandcamp page if you want to receive updates.
PS – Do you have any requests (in terms of types of content you want to see)?
PPS – Any PC gamers out there? Hit me up for my Steam ID!
PPPS – Anyone out there build miniatures / play games like Warhammer, etc? Just started getting into it again after almost 20 years. Hit me up! Would love to see what you’re working on, get tips and tricks, etc.
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